PRINTER'S NO. 1208

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

No.

220

Session of

2019

INTRODUCED BY BLAKE, FONTANA, STREET, MARTIN, J. WARD, LEACH,

HUGHES, SCHWANK, VOGEL, PHILLIPS-HILL, MASTRIANO, BROWNE,

MENSCH, TARTAGLIONE, BREWSTER, AUMENT AND BARTOLOTTA,

opening, known as a stoma, in the abdomen that allows for the

removal of bodily waste when a person has lost the normal

function of digestive or urinary systems due to a birth defect,

colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative

colitis or other medical condition; and

WHEREAS, An ostomy is also necessary in cases of severe

abdominal or pelvic trauma resulting from accidents or from

injuries sustained during military service; and

WHEREAS, The bodily waste passes through the stoma into an

ostomy pouch on the outside of the body or, in the case of a

any age and does not lower life expectancy; and

WHEREAS, Largely through the efforts of United Ostomy

Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA), and its more than 300

affiliated support groups, Americans needing these surgeries are

becoming more aware of the opportunities for education, mutual

aid, advocacy and support that are of great benefit to them and

their families; and

WHEREAS, Our nation celebrates "Ostomy Awareness Day"

annually on the first Saturday of October; and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is committed to increasing public

and awareness are vital to ensure those who are living with an

ostomy face no discrimination and are accepted as normal,

healthy individuals; and

WHEREAS, Through education and awareness, this Commonwealth

can reduce myths and stigma associated with having an ostomy;

and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is committed to spreading

knowledge about the advancement of bowel and urinary diversion

surgery as a result of birth defects, disease, injury and other

digestive disorders; therefore be it

are life-savers.